Younes Kaboul red card: Tottenham defender wins appeal for sending off against Chelsea

Frenchman becomes the second Spurs player in six weeks to win appeal

Younes Kaboul has won his red card appeal (GETTY IMAGES)

Following an independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul today won his appeal against the red card awarded during the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday.

The centre-back was dismissed for bringing down Chelsea forward Samuel Eto'o in the second half, with the score 1-0. The foul conceded the debatable penalty, which Eden Hazard scored to make it 2-0.

Kaboul is now free to face Arsenal in the north London derby at home on Sunday, and is the second Spurs defender to have his red card revoked in the last six weeks after Danny Rose had his against Manchester City rescinded.

It was only Kaboul’s ninth start of the season following injury troubles – during which Tottenham have kept five clean sheets.

In a statement on their website (www.thefa.com), the FA confirmed an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing upheld Tottenham's claim of wrongful dismissal.

"The player's one-match suspension has therefore been withdrawn with immediate effect," the FA said.

Tim Sherwood's side face Benfica in their Europa League Round of 16 first leg match at White Hart Lane on Thursday before facing their fiercest rivals who beat them 1-0 at the Emirates in September before knocking them out of the FA Cup in January.

Spurs go into the match in urgent need of a morale-boosting victory, not only to restore their confidence after Saturday's hammering but also to keep alive their receding hopes of finishing in the top four this season and securing a Champions League place.

They are currently fifth with 53 points from 29 matches, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City who have played three matches less. Arsenal are third on 59 points, seven behind leaders Chelsea.